Abstract

Background

Much is written about cognitive and motor development; less is known about social
and emotional consequences of growing up with congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

The objectives of the study were: (1) to compare health related quality of life (HRQoL)
and self-worth of 10 year old patients with CH with the general population; (2) to
explore associations of disease factors, IQ and motor skills with the outcomes.

Methods

Children with CH and their parents completed several questionnaires. Patients were
classified to ‘severe CH, n = 41’ or ‘moderate/mild CH, n = 41’ based on pre-treatment
FT4 concentration.

Differences between CH and the general population were tested by analysis of covariance
and one sample t-tests (mean scale scores HRQoL and self-worth), chi-square tests
and binomial tests (% at risk of impaired HRQoL and self-worth). Linear regression
analyses corrected for gender were conducted to explore associations of the outcomes
with disease factors, IQ and motor skills.

Results

Patients with CH reported lower mean HRQoL on motor, cognitive and social functioning,
and on autonomy and positive emotions (p < 0.0001). Patients were also more often
at risk for impaired HRQoL and self-worth. No differences were found between the severity
groups. Lower IQ was only significant associated with worse cognitive HRQoL. Initial
FT4 plasma, age at onset of therapy, initial T4 dose and motor skills were not significantly
associated with HRQoL and self-worth.

Conclusions

Negative consequences in terms of HRQoL and self-worth are prevalent in children with
CH, independent of disease factors, IQ and motor skills. Physicians should to be attentive
to these consequences and provide attention and supportive care.